This past September 17 marked an important milestone in the history of Play for Peace: the 20th year of the organization. In honor of this special milestone, Play for Peace Mexico joined the party to celebrate the past two decades, as well as all that's to come.

Earlier this year, youth leaders from our clubs in Israel and Greece joined together to lead cooperative play sessions with Belarussian orphans through the organization Crete for Life. It was life changing for the youth leaders and children alike.

September 23 was a special day for hundreds of children who participated in the Moon of Love mid-autumn festival in Vietnam. The festival was organized by A New Day Social Work Group, together with their partner the Lumen Choir group.

Thanks to Mazhar and Zafar Sheriff we have incredible photos from the Fall 5K Run/Walk fundraiser on September 29, 2018. Check out the full photo album to see what happened at this unforgettable event. 

Play for Peace clubs around the world celebrated our 20th birthday with fun parties and special birthday cakes. These happy and festive cakes were tributes to our efforts to create friendships across divides over the past 20 years.

Since laughter and having fun is, in a way, the core business of Play for Peace, we formed a very natural partnership with the first-ever global collaborative fundraising challenge in the world—the ROFL (Rolling On the Floor Laughing) challenge.

While Costa Rica is famous for its beautiful beaches and nature, it is not without conflict. With the largest migrant population in Central America, many flee Nicaragua only to face racism, exploitation, and more. One of these areas is La Carpio, where Play for Peace recently opened a club and is working hard to unite the community. 

In part three of this three-part series, Play for Peace regional coordinator Katrin Hünemörder visits our club at a refugee camp in Musselkanaal, Netherlands. Although recently closed, the camp was an integration success story. Meet some of the refugees who've been impacted by Play for Peace and learn how they are now impacting others.

The sixth annual Play for Peace Fall 5K Run/Walk was special in every way. Drawing more than 300 attendees to the Bartlett Nature Center on September 29, the event raised more than $40,000 and was Play for Peace’s most successful fundraising event to date.

In part two of this three-part series, Play for Peace regional coordinator Katrin Hünemörder visits our club at a refugee camp in Musselkanaal, Netherlands. Although recently closed, the camp was an integration success story. Part two shows the compassion and leadership of the youth and staff at the camp.

In part one of a three-part series, Play for Peace regional coordinator Katrin Hünemörder visits our club at a refugee camp in Musselkanaal, Netherlands. Although recently closed, the camp was an integration success story. Part one introduces children, parents, and families of Musselkanaal experiencing Play for Peace.

This Saturday, September 29, Play for Peace is hosting its sixth annual Fall 5K Run/Walk in Bartlett, IL, to honor World Peace Day and celebrate its 20th anniversary. Whether you’re in the Chicago area or live across the world, anyone can participate and support Play for Peace.

On September 17, 1998, Play for Peace officially registered as a nonprofit organization in Chicago. On September 17, 2018, thousands of Play for Peace community members came together to celebrate the accomplishments of the organization and their commitment to creating peace in the world.

Established in 2011, A New Day Social Work Group (AND) is Play for Peace’s club in Vietnam. AND has worked with a variety of communities, including children in rural areas, where many struggle with social issues. Currently the group is working on a new project to teach life skills to 100 vulnerable children.

In 1998, Play for Peace officially became a registered organization in the United States. Join us virtually for a Facebook live celebration on September 17 to share stories and messages, get to know our founders and supporters, and learn about Play for Peace's vision for the next 20 years.

The 6th annual World Peace Day 5K is around the corner! Join us on September 29, 2018, for a 5K run, tons an international food festival, family friendly activities, and more. Plus, this year we'll have a LIVE animal show—space is limited so register now! 

Play for Peace trainer Vijay works with one of the most ostracized societies in India, the Dalit. A Dalit himself, he understands the need to empower his community using Play for Peace. Learn about his work with Dalit children and youth and his recent effort to open a library featuring Dalit authors.

Trainer Richard Delos Reyes and his team of youth leaders in Cebu work to instill leadership in the youth there and teach responsible voting. Recently their club conducted a forum where young voters could listen to different platforms and promote an honest and orderly election. 

When Play for Peace's development officer visited our club at a refugee camp in Musselkanaal, Holland, she met with a very special mentor named Roel. Not only has he supported Play for Peace and brought it to the camp, but he’s done it with laughter and compassion that is contagious. 

The 36-year-long civil war left many Guatemalan communities deeply scarred. Despite this, for 18 years Play for Peace Guatemala has empowered youth leaders to create thriving communities that invite everyone to work together toward peace. Here are a few stories from volunteers who've used the power of play to create laughter, compassion, and peace for children and youth in Guatemala.