Play for Peace® Community

New Play for Peace Club opens in Guatemala

2011-12-16T15:25:00.000-08:00

Diverse youth in Guatemala experience cooperative play as they are introduced to Play for Peace!

Teaching kids and youth child rights with collaborative art!

2011-11-11T12:45:00.001-08:00

November 8th 2011 in Bhavnagar, India 10 youth and 7 children participated in a Play for Peace collaborative art workhop led by volunteer Kathryn Kylee! This was a creative workshop designed with mixed teams of youth facilitators and children working together to create compelling stories and messages on a child right's topic. After creating their story line, they then created art props to use for when later telling their stories. Then each team collectively told the story/message that they wanted to tell. Some used quite a bit of drama which made it very fun and engaging and the stories were very informational.

This was used to demonstrate that life skills messages and lessons can be taught using various forms other than games. This also teaches them to be more creative themselves, plus empowers them to have a speaking part. The next challenge given was for them to continue to use and develop new ways to tell or teach other children and adults in their communities and have a voice!

A New Day: Changing Young Lives

2011-11-07T16:31:00.000-08:00

Recently on October 29th, 2011 in Vietnam, A New Day Group did a training with 20 youth participants on “What do intentional games look like?” for more than 20 union officials from the Faculty of Sociology of Ho Chi Minh City Open University. The event took place at Doi Rat Dep Social Clubhouse of the Disability Research and Capacity Development Center.

The participants, who play the role of the core personnel in most activities held by their school and classes, did play very excitingly, joyfully and heartily throughout the training!

Prior to the training, on the arrival, the participants were encouraged to write down their feelings when seeing the photos of the homeless children; the eldest working hard to earn their livings; and starving people, etc. This activity was meant to warm up the kind heart inside of everyone, especially when the participants are sociological students.

As the roles of the participants were “young leaders” towards their friends and other students at university, A New Day incorporated some themes and ideas about leadership into most sessions. The participants had a chance to look back on their roles among their classmates and in their team. They were learning, discussing, and sharing enthusiastically their opinions about the role of a leader, leadership style, the pressure of both being a leader and being a follower, etc. although the training was not intended to have everyone talk about leadership skills in depth. However, it showed that those topics on leadership had never stopped cooling down and it raised the fact that the union officials really need an event specially designed for this kind of topic. A New Day wants to plan similar training for them in near future.

By the end of the training there was a group discussion about the question “What do intentional games look like?” The participants gave their answers in groups precisely and suitably. Surprisingly, they all got one common answer that Intentional Game is a method in which the participants are playing and learning. Another question “What from this training can you apply for your job?” – The participants shared “Skills to plan an intentional game; helping the player have a good time playing without feeling uncomfortable, upset but open and friendly”; “patience and ability to lead a team; ability to gain people’s attention and to listen; know how to make people feel comfortable and willing to share”; “Facilitating skills – organizing and arranging the sessions of a training reasonably; flexibility in teamwork…”

On the part of A New Day, the training could not be a success without the untold supports of three volunteers in terms of organizing and logistics; and each of the members of the team always worked hard and tried to bring their best to the program. Every moment of the past event has been a precious lesson and big motive that helps A New Day Group achieve a bit of their mission – “Sharing and enhancing individual capacity, and connecting people and communities through intentional games”.

Vietnam: A New Day!

2011-10-25T15:35:00.000-07:00

New Play for Peace Club shares their first story!

From 8.30 AM to 16h30 PM in 10.01.2011 at Trieu Thi Trinh elementary school, A New Day Club organized a training session for 20 participants. We spent about 1 month to prepare everything: not only fundraising, logistics but also contents. 6 Club members led 24 collaborative games and shared important core - value messages through games. After the training, A New Day Club got many responses from participants, such as " I understand that everything happened have it own goal so I remind myself to think carefully about my action".

Also through 8 hours working, we understood more about each other. We were very motivated after this event. For we always try our best to do all things for the development of our community by our capabilities.

About 'core - values"; we shared 3 characteristics:
- Be educational,
After training session; the participants recognized
some messages such as " We should think carefully before we act"; "We should do everything when attaching at least a meaning"...
- Be humanitarian.
After training session; they felt happy, cheerful and had motivation to live usefully. Each of them also connected with others closely.
- Be safe
After training session; they understand that everybody together took part in game: not lose, not punish. All participants together became winners.

Those are 3 characteristics we wish to share to community. And happily, the participants received them after at all.

2011-09-19T17:33:00.000-07:00

She cares about the youth and they know it. Tina Baxter has selflessly dedicated her time and effort to the success of many Play for Peace youth leaders. Along with a wonderful team of volunteers in Central Illinois including Helen Michelassi from the DeWitt County Human Resource Center and Sharon Mills from Illinois State University they have opened 3 new Play for Peace sites in recent months. During her acceptance of the award, Tina thanked the youth for all of their hard-work.

The Michael J. Terrien Service Award is given annually to a Play for Peace volunteer, youth or adult, who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to the implementation of the Play for Peace activities in their community. The award is given based on five criteria: nomination from a regional representative, effort, commitment, initiative and innovation. One award will be given a year, rotating regions where Play for Peace programming is active. The award was created to honor the diligence, hard work, leadership and dedication that characterized the contributions of Michael J. Terrien to the public and to the Play for Peace community.

Here is the 2011 nomination letter.

On behalf of Play for Peace-Illinois, I would like to nominate Mrs. Tina Baxter for the 2011 Michael J. Terrien Service Award. Tina's devotion to Play for Peace in addition to her efforts as a Prevention Specialist/Supervisor at the DeWitt County Human Resource Center (HRC) exemplify the critia for this award: effort, commitment, initiative, and innovation.

Tina has been working with Play for Peace since it's inception in DeWitt County in 2007. With Mrs. Helen Michelassi, the Central Illinois Coalition for Non-violent Communities, and the DeWitt County Human Resource Center as primary partners, Tina has led efforts to establish Play for Peace in three high schools and school districts serving DeWitt County. She has taken youth facilitators and play days to Kenney, Clinton, Farmer City, and Waynesville communities. She has thoughtfully stimulated facilitator development through practices and participation in other events (e.g., trip to Laramie Project play, visit and discussion at Warner Library's hosting of Smithsonian Fences exhibit, Illinois State University Campus visit).

Tina and her staff have innovatively engaged facilitators and volunteers in bringing Mr. Terrien's Play for Peace vision and model to DeWitt County. With Tina's initiatve and consistent presence, youth and other supporters have particpated in Play for Peace planning and fundraising. Play for Peace volunteers and facilitators raised over $1,000 to sponsor a team for the 2011 Relay for Life in DeWitt County. They, adult volunteers, and youth spent the night to complete the walk and play games with other Relay for Life teams. A recent cook-out at the local IGA grocery, the second one for the year, netted over $800 for DeWitt County efforts to create awareness for non-violence. This year, Tina was instrumental in engaging nearly 1,000 Clinton Community Unit School District K-5th graders in the What Makes You Smile poster contest in conjunction with May Mental Health Awareness Month activities. Selected posters were displayed at a May Play Days at the Warner Library and then at area businesses following the event and into the summer.

Tina has committed passion for her work, time, and effort to developing young people and modeling healthy approaches to living. She is currently serving Play for Peace Global on the Training Committee to assist in revitalizing Play for Peace efforts in DeWitt County and around the world. It is an honor to nominate Mrs. Tina Baxter for this award.

Sincerely,
Sharon Mills
Illinois State University

Congratulations Tina! We are lucky to have you as part of our Play for Peace community, thank you for all that you do for the children and youth in Central Illinois and we look forward to your input and knowledge in the development of our global training initiatives. Thank you!

India: Bringing together diverse communities for the good of the children

2011-09-06T16:52:00.000-07:00

August 24, 2011

In a tribal village 1 hour north of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India 30 dedicated community workers and volunteers gathered for a 2 day workshop on August 24 & 25, 2011. The goal? Transforming Neighborhoods by teaching community facilitators to use Play for Peace in working with the impoverished children in their communities. Local facilitators were trained how to empower children and teach important life skills lessons, as well as combat conflict over extreme differences in these communities, by demonstrating the power of experiential learning and strong debriefing/reflection processes. Here is what the participants said about the workshop:

"I have never seen this type of training before, and this will be so important in my community in working with our children".

"I have learned so much from this process, and want to learn more".

"This is such an important process in bringing together communities with such diversity as ours. It will help us in our work tremendously."

Volunteer Introduction: Filip Tucek

2011-09-05T20:00:00.001-07:00

Dear Play for Peace Community,

We will be meeting each other every week and therefore I would like to introduce myself. Play for Peace does every day its best to make the world a better a place. It promotes a positive environment for the youth in neighborhoods and regions that have the most need. It gives children an opportunity to be educated, to live their life without being afraid of violence and organized crime. I want the kids and adults in Illinois, in Guatemala and India, in Israel and on every other place on this planet, our common planet, to have a life free of free and discrimination! Being able to use my skills and experience to help Play for Peace get a little further down this very long road is something I can barely decline.

I have been studying international relations and diplomacy. I also work for a scholar institution engaged in the economic and security policies. I have a broad experience with writing articles and blogs since I have been publishing in several media in the Czech Republic. On this blog, I will be covering weekly the events that affect the whole communities and people living there. By informing the public about those communities and problems they have to face every day, I would like, you, to stop for a while and think about lives of those youth, and the challenges they have to face.

In the future, I am hope to work for the UN, the Organization might have its own problems, but it is still the only truly universal institution able to enhance the standards of living globally. Precisely the cooperation with projects and communities such as Play for Peace is the proper recipe to achieve that goal. Some might think it is a little naïve one. But those naysayers are the exact reason, the biggest obstacle in our effort. The more numerous we are, the more each and every one of us do the better chance the people in the whole world have.

Program Location News by Filip Tucek

Program Location News: Volunteer blogger Filip Tucek

2011-09-05T13:34:00.000-07:00

Filip Tucek is a dedicated young adult, interested in international news and politics, who has volunteered for Play for Peace via the United Nations online Volunteer site. He is from the Czech Republic and will be sharing news stories with us every week. The goal of this effort is to bring our community together by understanding some of the issues faced by our children and youth in the regions where we have programming. All opinions shared in his blog are his alone.

2011-08-23T09:23:00.001-07:00

What better first post than the Play for Peace community honoring our youth!

In preparation for our World Peace Day Celebration we launched a pledge to honor the brave, skilled and dedicated youth who work locally, together with Play for Peace youth globally, to make the world a better place. The response has been overwhelming. In less than a week over 4000 people across the world have signed our pledge saying "YES!" we honor, support and respect the work of Play for Peace youth. Here are some of the comments they have given us as to why they signed the pledge:

Susie Lykes, VA: the children are our future....they are wiser then we give them credit for....the more intelligent the species the more need there is for play...our society has forgotten that...hence all the turmoil...

Carmen Finnigan, Canada: If more kids from different backgrounds play together the less problems we would have later.

T. Fernandez, CA: I want to support Any effort for peace, and support young people who are peace activists.

Kenneth Ferenchak, OH: Because "out of the mouths of babes come so many bits of truth" which can heal the World's problems.

Nicola Nelson, UT: Can you imagine how wonderful the world would be without war?

Rosemary Graf, MA: They have the energy, know how, & the ability to search for answers. Plus they are our future leaders.

Carolyn Ricketts, MD: And the young shall lead the way. Let us finally learn how to all live peacefully with one another.

Margaret Goodman, PA: I support anyone's workin for peace. Youth are especially imporant because they will inhei\rit the world.

Fred Levy, AZ: Kids are the future!

Lenore Clark, NH: My four year old attends a cooperative preschool where "learning through play" is emphasized, and I have seen first hand how well it works. Granted my son is not from a disadvantaged situation, but the underlying principles are the same, and all children should be given the opportunity to benefit in the same way (and then pass it on to others).

Jacquelyn Meyer, IA: You are our future and hope - The best to each of you. Peace,

Janice Sprow, OH: The children are the future-- if we can teach enough of them how to get along better - we would have a more peaceful world.

Melvin Taylor, CA: The young are not like to older people, the young understand what fair play is all about.

Kim Hall, WI: when it's fun it gets done! Let childrens imaginations thrive and find peace in the classrooms:)

Bev Sadergaski, MN: We definitely need better leadership in the future than we have now!

Ann Remick-Barlow, NM: We offer equine assisted life skills programs for children in New Mexico. I have witnessed the value of the power of play with horses and children from diverse backgrounds. Thank you for this work.

Carole Moore, FL: Youth & Peace is a Perfect Union.

Margaret Dhillon, VA: They are our future and we do not need to taint their view of the world with our prejudice.

Corey Johnson, CA: I support youth leading a movement for peace because why the hell shouldn't I?

Name not displayed, Puerto Rico: children are the number one teachers

FR LO, VA: Because politics,religion or any differences should not divide us, but make us stronger.

Patricia Orlinski, AZ: Young people have so much enthusiasm and idealism, that they deserve to flourish.

Troy Faith Ward, WA: Play, helping us get in touch with our most authentic selves, brings us to the place where we notice our commonalities, and that they outweigh our differences many times over. The differences can enrich, all our lives, rather than keep us apart.

Kiani Brown, MI: I completely agree with this plea. I've always felt like young leaders are discriminated from age, however, experiences can shape a person to mature too. Especially with the lack of knowlegdge with many adults. Young adults CAN change the world. (plus its a lot of us <3)

Julie Levesque, Canada: It is Important to live in peace and that no fighting she be accepted and our youth to support that it's important

John Pasqua, CA: it is needed

Susan Vanderburgh, CA: The world needs peace. Teaching children peaceful means of conflict-resolution is our only hope for a peaceful future.

Gwendolyn Harrison, CA: Hope for the future.

JIM STOLZ, NC: I vote for PLAY.

Vasu Murti, CA: "Who loves this terrible thing called war?" asked Isadora Duncan. "Probably the meat-eaters, having killed, feel the need to kill...The butcher with his bloody apron incites bloodshed, murder. Why not? From cutting the throat of a young calf to cutting the throats of our brothers and sisters is but a step. While we ourselves are living graves of murdered animals, how can we expect any ideal conditions on the earth?"

L. Carmel, FL: Because They Are Our Leaders Of Tomorrow. And If Anyone Here On Earth Can Bring Peace On Earth, It's Our Children!

Chris Robinson, OH: Perhaps our children can succeed where adults have failed - they are too busy fighting one another.

Mark Marino, WA: Somebody needs to be leading this movement. Children Are OUR future leaders. Maybe they can get it right.

Martha W D Bushnell, CO: Youth need to learn about Conflict Resolution, Negotiation, and Arbitration to prevent war.

Merrie Hammond, CA: Our Mother Earth needs peace.

Elizabeth Aden, TX: They are our hope for the future. Many of them are "color" blind - which is wonderful.

Leslie Staller, NM: Our children and youth do not inherit the earth, we borrow it from them. May they learn the ability to and succeed at stewarding the earth and all sentient beings in ways we of our generation and prior have not managed to find. Much gratitude to you for being willing to walk to a different drummer and forge a path where none have walked before.

Anita Buffer, PA: The world belongs to the youth leaders. Let's all make them as confident and educated well to make the hard decisions and make this planet survive.

Shaneish Nugentlopez, FL: This plant the seed for the continued move for change.When the young gets involved this creates a habit which hopefully will stay with them as they continue throughout their lives thus ensuring the next generation of leaders will lead with their hearts.

Ryan Sdano, WI: As a liberal citizen of faith. I deeply support the youth of today working for a more peaceful world in the present, in the near future, & in the future. We need our youth to say no to school violence, & bullying of any kind. Amen

Richard Neva, NY: Think of the children please!

William Roberson, NY: Children naturally get along, unaffected by the prejudices of adults unless these are taught by example. Adults can set a good example instead by teaching compassion and cooperation.

Kathryn Denise, MD: adults have alot of power, but we need the youth to have the right king of power because they are our future leaders.

Ellen Hargrave, NC: youth are the future and what better future to look forward to than a peaceful one

Dianne Gray, CA: Because no one responds to threats, just resists such actions resulting in more problems. Good communication makes a big difference!

William Edelman, PA: The world is growing smaller. Soon, if we don't stop the madness, we'll have a real and final global war.

Carol Hill, FL: OUR CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE NOTHING MORE NOTHING LESS!!!

Linda Friesen, CO: Hopefully they will grow up and work for Peace.

Tiani Schwindt, FL: Go Youth!

Marianne Bell, AZ: It should all be fun, too!

Rebekah Awood, MI: People who can play together, can live together.

Mary Lou Pierron, MA: Because, as a clinical psychologist, I know that such tutoring/mentoring relationships benefit both "teacher" and "learner" - as well as everyone with whom they engage!

Cathy Donovan, CA: this planet is their future ; the sooner our youth start supporting it , the better their lives and the lives of their children will be

Sophie Sanders, PA:Wonderful program

Bernice Blakney, NJ: Thank You & God Bless You & Yours!!! Jesus is the Answer, if your not saved NOW is the opportunity we never know when it's too late. To God be the Glory for the things that he has done!!!

Sarah Kemp, NY: This works. I see it in my 6 year old grandson who attends a school where children are taught to work out problems together and support each other. It may be too late for most adults, but there's hope ahead among the young.

Laura Walker, CA: The Youth think with their heart not their egos =)

Rachel Walker-Higgins, United Kingdom: Children are the key to our planets future peace.

Vivianne Mosca-Clark, OR: Thank you for your forward movement toward a better world for all that live on ti.

Patt Rose, CA: Children in so many places are at risk from poverty, exploitation. Anything we can do to empower youth is assuring a better future for the world.

Dave Garfield, CO: We can learn a LOT about getting along from our children!

Donald Dimock, OR: They have not, yet, been taught prejidice by our prejudice culture.

Carolyn Ladner, CA: We need them!

Lynn Sawyer, CA: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SPUNK OF YOUTH--THEYARE TOMORROW'S FUTURE!!

Brian Farmer, OR: let the children RISE in Jesus name!

Evelyn Singer, OH: Our youth are the future generation who will have to deal with the reprecussions of the world. They should help to start off their inheritance on the right foot.

Colleen Mahoney, AZ: Way to go!

April Traylor, GA: Our youths need youth leaders with some structure to them, youth need to others that are established and have roots, so they too can be like a tree thts rooted and grounded,,,where they're not like waves of the sea tossed abt.

Carol Suchecki, CA: Our youth are the inspired leaders of tomorrow.

Bruce Wille, NM: I congratulate all of these young leaders - I waited iuntil I became an adult before having the "guts" to speak up! Thank you.....

Shirley Miller, PA: Because they are our future.

Cindy Guarnieri, CT: Education / not ignorance / is the way to a better world about everything.

Dave Neargardner, CO: I support the movement for peace because it is one of the most powerful forces in the Universe, the other is love. With peace it is easier to have love for others and good wishes. If enough people on Mother Earth resonate with these two powers, the Earth would be an entirely different home to us. It would become literally, Heaven on Earth.

Alqamar Malik, MD: because a world without guns and violence is a world we ALL can be safe in

Patricia Olsen, MN: I support this movement since youth are our future.

Lynda Duke, TX: Our children are our future. Hope they do a better job than all of us.

Renee Locks, CA: We need fresh young ideas and energy.

Robert Pound, CA: They have their whole lives ahead and have the most to lose, or gain.

Jonathon Childs, FL: Keep on going!!! You're such a major catalyst for future of knowledge and peace.

Sally Scott, TX: I agree 100%. play is children's work. and outdoor play makes chilrden healthier, happier and more successful.

Michelle Buck, FL: We need Peace with all the bad things that are happening in this world.When I was growing up you never had heard of bullying or children taking guns to school and killing someone or hurting them.

Liliana Vogel, NY: Children are the perfect peace leaders. They haven't yet been tainted by selfishness and cynicism and they understand the need for harmony and cooperation. Peace education should be part of every school curriculum, and peace should be part of every child's experience.

Albert Bechtel, WA: Because our children have a right to determine what kind of world they live in and how it's going to be for them.

Sam Porter, IL: Their young, innocent minds haven't been corrupted yet, and we should keep it that way if we hope to make the world a better place.

Sue Barrell, NJ: They are our future - and boy, how we've messed up!

Cynthia Deleon, TX: I support youth leaders and believe that they make a big difference in the lives of children. With positive leadership they will grow up to make a difference in this already lost world. My husband and I were part of our youth group as leaders along with the youth pastor and everywhere we took them we were praised because our youth groups were always well behaved and respectful, till this day we run into kids that have gone of to college or married and thank us for teaching them to respect and love and do for others. I support youth leaders no doubts!!!

Siegfried Schultz, NY: If this world has a chance ti survive youth leaders will have to do it because are not corrupted yet.

Elizabeth Rosenberg, MD: I support youth leading a movement for peace because if we don't teach out children peace,someone will teach them violence. We must win the battle in our hearts and minds before we see the results in communities and nations.

Carol Mitchell, MN: If we teach peace, we will have peace. I'm so excited to see this "playing" out!

Nancy Gates, MA: OUR WORLD IS A MESS AND WE NEED CHANGE!

Pauline Wittry, WI: Peace will enable people to be more creative in solving their problems, especially those surrounding food and shelter.

Donna Smallwood, FL: If the children don't save us, we are DOOMED! The current generation is too greed, hate, and fear focused. Let the children lead us to peace and brotherhood.

Heather McCrillis, MN: Because they're awesome!

James C. Talbot, CA: The significance of play is woefully under appreciated related to the development of good social skills

Ruth Sandefur, NC: I'm encouraged to know that we have youth leaders around the world who are working to make their communities a better place! God bless you all!!

Chris George, NY: .. I support the youth to lead this movement for peace as this generation represents future generations -as they have the opportunity to change world issues collectively starting together at a young age to promote world peace...to all age and all social groups.

Martin Frazier, FL: Let's play and pray for peace together.

Vera Martin, AZ: Let's see what they can do. We sure have made a mess. We are not leaving them much to be happy and peaceful with. GO YOUNG PEOPLE!

Lisa Tomboc, CA: If there is any hope for us, it is in the hands of the children.

William G Gonzalez, NY: Children are the Hope of our Future

Constance Birch, VA: Children grow up learning either peace and love and tolerance, or hate, stereotypes, prejudice, and violence from their elders. The next generation is the future. We may not be able to change the attitudes of the older people. But we can influence the next generation for the good.

Linda North, NC: The youth are the future and I commend their efforts to create a more peaceful and stable world.

Marcello D'Andrea, FL: We are the future, and we must be given the opportunity to provide for a better tomorrow. Peace is the fundamental of bettering today for a promising future.

Robbye Mohn, CA: I support anyone leading a movement for peace. Youth have the best chance though since they are not yet jaded by this world of wars we live in...or at least I hope they are not

Marta Rodriguez, PR: Because I am a peacemaker, working for a better world

Caroline Geerman-VanGelder, FL: They are the seeds...

Eric Chipman, MA: PERHAPS CHILDREN CAN SAVE THE WORLD! LET US FIND OUT!

Carol Mohr, CO: Amen! Until the Lord returns, which is obviously very soon, we do need to keep peace in our beloved world. God bless the efforts of the youth and God bless all the children to bless more children and more adults and more people so that peace becomes contagious. God bless us all.

J M Aurnague, CA: PEACE IN THE WORLD IS INTERGENERATIONAL!!!

Nicole Spray, CA: Children our World's only Hope/Future. That this petition is being circulated for signature, confirmmation. I know since birth. GOD Plans, Designs Our Journey(s). It is humanity that rob us of the purity of GOD's Gifts. World listen to the Children. GOD teaches a World, in crisis through the greatest Gift. Life, Birth.

Linda Chambre, AZ: Because the way we are headed, this world will never survive. Do not judge.

Margaret Cromartie, NC: Because this is their world, this is what they want and they want to make the change that we, as adults, are to selfish to undertake. I say more power to them, and I support them and will do what ever is necessary to see that they continue to grow, and build a better world out of the mess we have left them. Bless the children, for they shall lead.

Marijane Mercer, NM: I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in the 70s and that experience continues to feed me.

Jim Gibson, FL: the older pnes did not do good ...give the younger ones a chance

Patricia Ray, NC: Our children are our future. They are innocent and still haven't been exposed to the religious hate that exists in this world. They are what we need to find a better way for all of us to get along in this world in harmony and peace.

Carol Goffe-Wood, FL: they are closer to the grass roots of young people

Margaret Baylor, IA: Youth are the future and if not led the right way now when will they be...it will be too late later...

Annemart Visser, Netherlands: I think answering hate with hate only leads to more pain and therefore to more hate. Letting young people experience that 'the enemy' is nothing more than a human being like themselves helps stop the spreading of more hate.

Chris Harrison, HI: If there is a God it is time to help the world. Everything is so sad and bad that one wonders if we will ever be at peace in all ways. I pray for peace and I am a spiritual person only.

Bethany Saint Clair, WA: It starts young, peace among children will mean peace when they grow up too.

Betty Stark, AR: So many children have no mentors to look up to,yet I think every child needs them.Each child deserves to learn and be a part of sucessful living.

Dianne Robertson, MN: youth are tommorrows Leaders!

Carolina Ayerbe, GA: Kids have much to worry about these days to add bullying and violence in schools!

Judith Lerner, OH: I did so when I was young and still do

Joana Bato, Philippines: Growing up, our generation saw and experienced how peace was ignored. Peace is an important thing that all of us want to experience. I support the youths who do their best to lead a movement for peace.

Mitzi Koehl, NC: It is very important, they are our future,

Jean Mayes, NM: Yes! Thank you for taking action for peace, Young Folks!

Bruce Weston, NH: the young people the most to gain if no tension around

Sarah Rather, CA: My grandson was attacked by a bully - nearly compromizing the site in his right eye for life time. I was so proud of him when he said he didn't want to go to the same school as this boy - but he did want him to get help becuase he probably didn't have the message of being kind and loving that he grew up with. We can all learn from that.

Richard Pasichnyk, AZ: Peace is much more likely when people know each other as fellow human beings.

Veronica Mccormack, NY: They are the leaders of tomorrow.

Eva Gomez, FL: Our youth are the future for a more peaceful world!

Rose Evans, CA: pERHAPS THEY MAY SUCEED WHERE WE HAVE FAILED.

John P. Walsh, GA: Peace benefits everybody and everything.

Valerie Gilbert, NY: I support EVERYONE working and loving and creating a peaceful world. it's up to us to BE the peace! love now....

Martha Avery, CO: Why wouldn't I ?

Grace Neff, OR: Todays youth are the only ones who can change the path our uninformed leaders are taking.

Geraldine Clemens, CA: Who better than the children of the world

Brian Gorra, IL: A peaceful world has to start with the children.

Judy Killingbeck, NY: GOD BLESS THEM

Ray DiZefalo, FL: The only hope for a future rests with the youth of the world. If PEACE is ingrained early enough it will be able to deflect opposing doctrines which are also taught to the very young.

Lynn Manzione, GA: I absolutely support youth leading a movement for peace because their lives will be the ones lost if we don't build a peace movement!!

Karen McGhee, AZ: "youth will transform the world"

Carlene Petty, KY: Youth are our future and I want a peaceful one.

Matthew Travers, FL: Because grownups have a difficult time grasping the concept of Peace...We can learn alot from children...

Elaine Laffan, MA: It is the least we can do to create less war. War is why the stock market is so wishy washy and why spirits all over are not looking to the future. How can a war be won in a corrupt society? It cannot!

Nellee Powell, TX: Give them a strong foundation to promote Peace throughout their lives

Kathryn Holland, CA: " What a wonderful idea idea & so basic"

Roy Windmuller, SC: Isn't this what it's all about?

Charles Hall, CA: Because the species hasn't evolve to the point it chooses peace as a matter of course.

Jared Schwab, MN:The children and their children are our future. It is time to put our differences aside and remember that we humans have the power to bring sustainability and a renewed connection to the earth into the forefront.

Amber Joy, WA: Youth is all we have.

Rebecca Saunders, MA: Because our older leaders are failing us.

Phillip Gioia, NY: better and cheaper than war

Mary Walton, NC: The Youth of today, will be the leaders of tomorrow, Teach them the correct way to treat others,pls!!!!!

Hali Panneton, WA: i support this movement because i, too, want peace - and justice!

Kevin Baskovich, CA: Information is strength knowledge is power.

Julie Unruh, KS: Why ruin their world, they have to grow up in, they are trying to make it good for them, not wanting to live in the world we screwed up for them.

Kathleen Evergreen, OR: We all need to work for a more peaceful world and children should be included in learning how to do that so it can be learned and passed on generation to generation. Violence is learned behavior. We can teach peace .

Christa Link, WA: i have a child who is 6 right now. i don't want want her to be bullied in school.

Jennifer Cline, MD: children are our future !!!

Linda Rhyan, AZ: Leaders is the key word. Their efforts can give them insight and maturity beyond their years-I wish them well.

Jon Charpentier, LA:Give Peace A Chance! Young people playing together stops the prejudices that harm the future peace and prosperity of the world.

Name not displayed, WA: The youth are the innocent and not warped by the world their parents government have created. The are fresh and eager to perpetuate peace.

John Byland, MA: A child is a perfect human being, before corruption of the soul takes over. Who better to work for peace?

Gregory Gumina, MI: I think it's very ambitious of such young ones to want to start their own grassroots movement towards a better tomorrow and world peace. May they succeed in their endeavors and have the best of luck in what they do best.

Charlotte Stahl, OR: The world needs more peace, compassion and Love!

Alex Oshiro, HI: Peace on earth for everyone everywhere.

Pat Ruch, OR: The strength of our Country is in our young people. Racism should be outlawed.

AnnaMarie MCCLARY, IN: to create a safe and healthy world is the reason I support this movement.

Julia Richards, CO: What a great idea and incentive to help put an end to the tensions that divide us and obscure our vision that we are all united in our humanity!

Jo Anne Hall, CA: Adults have become contaminated by political & media messages that encourage hatred, conflict & prejudice. If our children are taught now that peaceful resolutions are possible & obtainable, we will produce future adults who are more skilled at violence prevention & conflict resolution.

Deni Havercroft, CA: children teaching children is an effective way for things to actually work!

Gail Kenyon, WI: Peace is the Destination of this Planet and all upon her. Our children will be the Leaders and Teachers to bring us back to the Light that were meant to be.

Diana C. Amov, CA: The young leaders have the energy and dedication that we need.

Mary Rausch, WA: If the next generation belives in peace then maybe there will finally be peace.

Dawn Loll, CA: Because if the leaders of tomorrow can't, who will!

Welcome!

2011-06-30T22:05:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the Play for Peace Community blog. This is a space where we will share the story of our community members; volunteers, staff, youth, Board members, children, community leaders. Here you will be able to know who we are and why we do what we do. And as a Community we will connect here further, learning our collective history and celebrating our collective future.

Thank you for following our blog!