Kids for Peace was founded in the spring of 2006. Jill McManigal, a single mother of two young children, and Danielle Gram, a high school junior, met at a neighborhood party. Jill's peace button intrigued Danielle and they began a discussion about the current conditions of our world which led to discussing the world they wanted to live in. It was quickly evident that they both felt a calling to do their part to work proactively for peace and compassion. Inspired by Gandhi's famous quote, they wanted to "be the change they wished to see in the world." Something magical had happened and within days, plans were made to gather a group of neighborhood children for the first Kids for Peace meeting.

With emails and phone calls, the enthusiasm quickly grew and word spread. Over 20 children attended our first meeting. The children resonated with being part of a movement that honors their voice and provides the space for them to learn about other cultures, make friends around the world, create peace through art, become involved in their government, learn about and participate in protecting the environment, help their communities, and have fun while doing it all. We now have grown to 32+ chapters worldwide with over 400 children participating! Kids for Peace provides a much needed platform for children to lead the way to peace, respect, and positive action. Through the children's individual actions and collective efforts, we are creating a systemic change within our society. We are moving from fear and violence to peace and hope.

Some Kids for Peace major accomplishments include, sending over 1000 Peace Packs to the countries we learned about including Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Mexico, Greece, Australia, Kenya, Nepal, India, Panama, Jordan, Albania, Iraq, United States, and China. Peace Packs are hand-painted knapsacks filled with school supplies, toiletries, toys and a personal note of friendship. Each Peace Pack is hand-delivered to the receiving children and stories and pictures are returned to our children. It is a full-circle of learning and giving. The chapters have also engaged in many projects including hosting a local Congressman (in Southern California) at a Kids for Peace meeting asking him to support the bill to establish a US Department of Peace; writing and illustrating a book called, "Peace Through Our Eyes;" visiting local congressional and senate offices to speak out proactively for peace – we teach our children that they have a voice and it is their right and responsibility to use it in a positive way; and traveling to Washington DC for the Peace Alliance Conference where Danielle Gram (teen co-founder) gave a rousing speech to 1,000 people about youth in the Peace Movement to name a few.

Kids for Peace biggest event is co-sponsoring the Annual Walk for Peace in San Diego which always falls on the UN International Day of Peace. 2008 will mark the third year of this festival where families from all over Southern California join in to celebrate peace.

In summer of 2008, the children co-wrote and recorded the Kids for Peace theme song produced by a Grammy award-winning producer. Kids for Peace is currently working on recording a Kids for Peace full-length musical CD with the children writing and singing every song.

Kids for Peace goals include creating chapters in every community in as many places throughout the world. Operating as a non-profit, through funding and other fiscal beneficiary programs, Kids for Peace strives to expand their staff and services in order to accomplish their objectives based on a mission to cultivate every child's innate ability to foster peace through cross-cultural experiences and hands-on arts, service and environmental projects.

To reach Kids for Peace please contact their Outreach Coordinator, Julie Gengo at kidsforpeaceusa@gmail.com or visit the website at www.kidsforpeaceusa.org to learn more about Kids for Peace programs and starting a chapter in your area.

Kids for Peace Pledge

I pledge to use my words to speak in a kind way. I pledge to help others as I go throughout my day. I pledge to care for our earth with my healing heart and hands. I pledge to respect people in each and every land. I pledge to join together as we unite the big and small. I pledge to do my part to create peace for one and all. ________________________________________