Category : Global

The Children of Play for Peace defy conflict with resilience and joy across 20 countries, fostering connections that transcend adversity. Empowered by leaders like Vijay Kumar and Neelu Grover, our global network of Certified Trainers promotes peace through creativity and dedication. Guided by a committed Board of Directors, Play for Peace continues to empower youth and communities worldwide for 25 years.

As Play for Peace (PFP) celebrates its 25th anniversary, we honor the extraordinary contributions of our volunteers, trainers, facilitators, and partners. Their dedication has been pivotal in fostering inclusion and building peaceful communities through cooperative play. Their inspiring stories highlight the power of play in creating a more peaceful world and exemplify the remarkable impact of Play for Peace.

At Play for Peace, we spread hope and peace to children and youth in challenging regions. However, some stories must remain untold to ensure the safety of our participants and mentors. In areas like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Afghanistan, and the Ukraine-Poland border, sharing details could endanger lives. Despite this, your support has a profound impact, even in these unseen efforts. Thank you for helping us create peace and hope, even when the stories cannot be publicly shared.

In a world filled with distractions, personal well-being often takes a backseat. However, this blog argues that prioritizing well-being is crucial for global peace. Exploring the nexus between individual wellness and societal harmony, it highlights how self-awareness, empathy, stress reduction, positive relationships, empowerment, global consciousness, conflict resolution skills, and role modeling contribute to a more peaceful world. Ultimately, it asserts that investing in personal well-being is essential for fostering a more compassionate, just, and harmonious world.

We are excited to announce that Dr. Michael Gass has joined the Play for Peace team as our new Director of Research and Funds. With decades of experience and over 2,000 citations, Dr. Gass is a renowned expert in educational research and adventure therapy. He co-authored the leading textbook "Adventure Therapy" and has held key leadership roles in experiential education. His innovative research and dedication to community impact align perfectly with our mission. Dr. Gass’s long-standing support for Play for Peace highlights his belief in the power of compassionate play. Join us in welcoming him to our team.

In the latest "It's In The Experience" podcast, Sherry Bagley talks with Sarah Gough and Marilyn Levin from Play for Peace about the power of teamwork in experiential education. They share their experiences in bringing people together and making a positive impact. The episode highlights the partnership between the Association for Experiential Education and Play for Peace, offering tips for new educators. Listen to learn how experiential education can help improve the world.

We are excited to welcome Carol Bowden, Pharm.D., MBA, and Rahul Sha, MBA to our Board of Directors. Carol, and Rahul, bring diverse expertise in healthcare and global finance. Their addition will greatly enhance our mission. Special thanks to Cause Strategy Partners for the introduction. Stay tuned for updates on this new chapter.

My journey has been driven by a vision for an equitable community. Starting with street plays on critical issues like child labor and women's empowerment, and evolving through the Play for Peace initiative, we've engaged youth and inspired positive change. This path has not only fostered my growth as a community leader but also emphasized core values of inclusion, cooperation, and fun. I carry the lessons of integrity, kindness, curiosity, and courage, striving for a brighter, inclusive future.

On April 20th, in Chicago, Play for Peace celebrated 25 years of impactful peacebuilding endeavors. The event featured insights from key figures who emphasized the organization's profound influence globally. Play for Peace's adaptability during COVID-19 was highlighted. The narrative of the organization's journey is marked by resilience and community solidarity. 

Today, on Autism Awareness Day, I share a piece of my heart and journey with you. As a parent of an autistic child and the director of Play for Peace, I've learned invaluable lessons about love, patience, and understanding beyond words. From realizing the depth of non-verbal communication to embracing the beauty of stimming and appreciating the grace in processing time, my journey has been one of profound growth and connection.