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For 25 years, Play for Peace has been at the forefront of promoting social justice and equity through experiential peace education. Now, in response to the evolving landscape of global social movements, we are proud to introduce The Council—a new initiative designed to foster long-term systemic change, empower communities, and challenge outdated perspectives in the nonprofit sector.
The Origins of The Council
In 2020, the Black Lives Matter movement sparked a deeper commitment within Play for Peace to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at all organizational levels. This moment of reflection inspired us to delve into concepts of decolonization, exploring how nonprofits can transform their roles in global development. After researching authors and speakers on the topic, and discussing these ideas with our Board of Directors and advisors we opened applications for membership this summer.
The Role of The Council
The Council reflects the Play for Peace’s ongoing mission, with a focus on dismantling savior mentalities and embracing global solidarity. Our efforts will be guided by three distinct teams:
- Board of Directors – Responsible for overseeing nonprofit business strategy and oversight.
- The Council – Focused on implementing strategies for sustainable impact.
- The Roundtable – Driving resource strategy to ensure communities receive the support they need.
The Council will support us in working with communities rather than imposing external solutions, which often overlook cultural contexts and local expertise. By co-creating solutions with the people we aim to serve, we promote community empowerment and create programs that are truly sustainable and impactful.
Our Approach and Accountability
With the launch of The Council in July, we are excited to announce that the selection process for inaugural members is complete, and applications are now closed. The first phase involved two key workshops where members developed the Council's structure, criteria, and materials. Moving forward, The Council will convene monthly to study, discuss, and make recommendations to our community, staff, and board.
The Impact on Play for Peace—and the World
The Council’s primary focus is to model long-term systemic change. This involves moving beyond short-term fixes and tackling the deeper, structural issues that perpetuate social inequity. By challenging power imbalances and prioritizing global solidarity, Play for Peace aims to connect with organizations worldwide, building a stronger network for collective action and learning.
This model of nonprofit engagement—centered on decolonization and global collaboration—can serve as an example for others looking to move beyond surface-level solutions. It’s not just about fixing problems temporarily; it’s about creating a more just and equitable world for future generations.
Moving Forward Together
With The Council now active, we look forward to introducing its members and sharing updates on their progress. We are confident that The Council will play a pivotal role in advancing Play for Peace’s mission and setting a new standard for global nonprofit work.
Stay tuned as we introduce the members to you over the coming months.
