The Play for Peace StoryA serious accident compelled founders Michael Terrien and
Craig Dobkin to examine the meaning of their lives. Soon after, Michael
facilitated a retreat for survivors and victims' families of the Oklahoma City bombing
incident with colleague Faith Evans.
While doing this work, Faith had a dream
of a red ball bouncing in Bosnia
and then to Jerusalem.
When she awoke, she called Michael to ask, “What is the highest purpose of
play?” and a dream was born.
A model of cultural change from the corporate realm traveled to a very different place: communities polarized by racial, ethnic, or
religious conflicts. In 1996 Play for
Peace initiatives were launched in Chicago and
the Middle East under the aegis of the
Association for Experiential Education becoming a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization in
1999.
Executive Director Sarah Gough began her adventure with Play for Peace in 2000 as an International Representative in Guatemala. Ten volunteer years later her passion for Play for Peace has grown stronger than ever in her new leadership role.
"I have witnessed forgiveness following atrocities. I have received compassion on the deepest level. I have seen joy in the most difficult of circumstances and there is no doubt in my mind that the human race can work together...but first we must remember how to play. In Play for Peace I've learned more then I can possibly teach. I have received more then I can hope to give. I am a humble facilitator of an awe-inspiring group of people who make up the Play for Peace Community."
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