Since 2016, the Youth for Change Club in Israel has hosted cultural exchanges as a way to connect in person with youth from other cultures. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the group had figure out a new way to engage with other youth that would bring them together while staying physically apart.

As October comes to a close, Play for Peace also marks the official end of our Level Up: Race for Humanity fundraising efforts. After seven years of in-person events, we are excited that our first-ever virtual race, which took place last month, raised more than $28.2K and created compassion, connection, and community for all who participated.

Today we have another guest post from Jacob Gries, a freelance writer and avid runner who is joining us for Level Up: Race for Humanity. After completing Community Week, he’s back with another post with his take on finding community in today's world.

During the first week of Level Up: Race for Humanity our global community focused on compassion, challenging ourselves to see the suffering of others and respond with kindness and empathy. This includes mentors Obed from Burundi and Francisco from Mexico who worked with their clubs to find a deeper meaning in compassion.

Today we have another guest post from Jacob Gries, a freelance writer and avid runner who is joining us for Level Up: Race for Humanity. After completing Connection Week, he’s back with another post with his take on connection.

Today we have another guest post from Jacob Gries, a freelance writer and avid runner who is joining us for Level Up: Race for Humanity. After completing Compassion Week, he’s back with another post with his take on compassion.

Now that we’re one week into Level Up: Race for Humanity, we want to introduce some of the amazing mentors from our Play for Peace clubs who are taking part in this month-long event. We’ll be following their journeys over the next few weeks, to share how they are leveling up in their communities.

Today's blog is a guest post from Jacob Gries, a freelance writer and avid runner from Cleveland, Ohio, who is joining us for Level Up: Race for Humanity. Here's why he's taking part—and why you should too.

Next week we’ll kick off the first-ever, totally virtual, Level Up: Race for Humanity, a way for our global community to come together in a fun and active way that sparks hope, joy, and compassion. If you’ve already registered—and even if you haven’t signed up yet—here’s what you can expect.

Just as our app partner, Kikori, has championed our efforts to connect and serve our community, we are excited to partner with them in support of their latest initiative to better serve educators during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out how you can support them (and get a little something back too!).

We are thrilled to announce a few exciting updates regarding our board of directors, including a new board member and new roles for several existing officers.

For the past seven years, Play for Peace has hosted a live 5K race to celebrate World Peace Day and support our efforts to create compassion, connection, and community around the world. However, like many things in 2020, this year our celebration will look a little different. This year, our race is going virtual!

In Mumbai, the Khula Aasman Club has been creating peace in its region since 2014, developing leadership skills in marginalized youth and children using play and the arts. While COVID-19 has presented new challenges for the club, the group has continued to have a great impact on its community.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, our clubs are working hard in their communities, creating positivity and compassion in a time where there is much fear and uncertainty. One such club is the Play for Peace Chicago Goode Club, which recently put together a project to bring unity and identity to club members during this trying time. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected countless communities of people in countries across the world, and Afghanistan’s Herat Province is no different. In a place where many live hand to mouth, lockdowns have left people without any source of income for food, basic necessities, or places to live.

Right now, we are at a crucial tipping point in history. The senseless death of George Floyd last week brought years and years of heartbreak to the forefront, and bringing thousands of people together in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. As part of our effort to stand in solidarity for with the black community, here are three ways you can use experiential education to start the conversation about racial injustice, and help effect change in your home and in your world.

Every Tuesday and Thursday, our community of Play for Peace trainers and mentors gathers via Zoom to share how their communities are weathering the COVID-19 crisis. They also share tips and techniques for supporting their communities during this unpredictable time.

With Coronavirus lockdowns expanding globally, billions of people in Africa are faced with unprecedented restrictions and turmoil. Despite all of this, our clubs there are working hard to support their communities, providing access to food, basic necessities, and emotional support.

As families adjust to a new work/life balance at home, children may find more time to fill during the day. Beyond screen time and outdoor play, art is a great and enriching way for kids to express themselves, and an effective communication tool for revealing their thoughts, interests, and feelings.

This week is Earth Week! Since the coronavirus and social distancing have made it difficult for our clubs to physically observe together, we're taking a look back at past Earth Week celebrations to remind us of the amazing ways our clubs can, and will continue to, make our world a better place.