Evolution
Our evolution at Play for Peace is a testament to the power of compassion, resilience, and community. What began as a grassroots effort to bring play and connection to children in conflict zones has grown into a global movement uniting people across continents. Over the years, we have adapted and expanded, embracing new challenges and cultural insights while staying true to our mission of fostering laughter, compassion, and peace. Each milestone reflects our commitment to creating safe, inclusive spaces where children and communities can thrive. As we continue to evolve, our vision for the future remains clear: to deepen our impact, inspire lasting change, and build a world where peace is not just an aspiration but a shared reality.
Play for Peace is a community of people who are right now creating a more peaceful world.
The Beginning: Our Founding Story
The movement that has spread across the world started with a dream. Co-founders Craig Dobkin and Michael Terrien began Play for Peace in the late nineties with a desire to bring peace to areas of conflict across the globe.
In 1996, educator Faith Evans had a dream of a big red ball bouncing through the Balkans towards Jerusalem. While planning a healing retreat for survivors of the Oklahoma City bombing with Michael Terrien, she asked him: "What is the highest purpose of play?" Michael replied: "Peace."
A few months earlier, Michael and Craig Dobkin worked together with a corporate group, when Craig fell setting up rappels and was seriously injured. Feeling the power behind Faith's dream, Michael united with Craig and several other experts from the field of experiential education in a new journey to bring Play for Peace to the world.
The First 25 Years: Our History
For the past 25 years, Play for Peace has transformed lives across the globe by using cooperative play to build compassion, resilience, and connection in communities affected by conflict. Sarah Gough, current Executive Director, took over the helm in 2010 and from humble beginnings to an expansive, diverse network of leaders, trainers, and young peacebuilders, Play for Peace has grown into a movement that transcends borders, languages, and divides. Through play, we’ve created safe spaces for laughter, understanding, and healing, impacting countless children and adults who now carry forward the message of peace and unity. This journey reaffirms our belief in the transformative power of play, inspiring us to continue empowering communities for the next generation.
The Next 25 Years: A Vision for the Future
As we look toward the next 25 years, Play for Peace envisions a future where every community, no matter how divided or challenged, has the opportunity to thrive through the power of compassionate play. Building on our legacy, we aim to deepen our impact by expanding partnerships, nurturing new generations of peacebuilders, and creating innovative programs that respond to the evolving needs of a complex world. Our vision is bold yet simple: to foster a global culture of empathy, understanding, and collaboration that bridges divides and uplifts communities. Together, we’re paving the way for a peaceful world, one play-filled moment at a time.
