On September 28th, the Play for Peace Global Community came together to celebrate our 26th anniversary! We connected virtually from all corners of the globe to learn, play, and honor the incredible journey we've shared.
A Day of Connection and Celebration
We kicked off the celebration by getting to know some of the amazing individuals who make Play for Peace possible. After an inspiring introduction, we dove into interactive breakout rooms, engaging in fun activities that strengthened our connections and fostered a sense of community.
We took this opportunity to acknowledge the remarkable efforts that made our year truly special. To our facilitators, partners, volunteers, and every single participant—your energy and dedication are the heartbeat of Play for Peace.
A Year of Milestones
Last year was a significant milestone for us. We forged new partnerships, such as our collaboration with the ChangeX Foundation, enabling us to open new clubs in Vietnam. Our initiatives in Afghanistan flourished, thanks to the incredible work of Swati and Agyat, who not only introduced Play for Peace to thousands of displaced children but also helped us recruit new council members.
We welcomed Maria from Poland, who embraced a nine-month experience in the U.S., helping to expand our global connections. Additionally, we successfully built, translated, and launched our brand-new Play for Peace Clubs Starter Kit—a valuable resource designed to assist communities in starting their peace-building journeys.
This past year wasn't just about big achievements, though. We had over 125 participants join our in-person and online anniversary events, spotlighted more than 50 individuals on social media, consolidated our Roundtable, and created The Council. These developments have brought us renewed hope and fresh ideas for the future. Our youth facilitators, mentors, and trainers have also guided thousands of children through incredibly challenging circumstances.
Embracing Our Leadership Pillars
During our 26th Anniversary Gathering, we discussed the three leadership pillars of Play for Peace that represent the heart of our organization’s mission and vision for creating long-term systemic change.
- Board of Directors: Our Board oversees our overall strategy and ensures we stay true to our purpose, guiding the big picture of Play for Peace for sustainable growth.
- The Roundtable: Composed of dedicated individuals willing to invest time and resources, this passionate group works to raise awareness and resources for Play for Peace.
- The Council: This newly formed group focuses on creating sustainable, community-driven change. They ensure we listen to the communities we serve and co-create solutions, fostering solidarity, challenging power imbalances, and building trust with those we work with.
We invite you to learn more about The Council and its vital role in our mission. Click here to read more about The Council.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey! Together, we are making a difference in the lives of children and communities around the world.