A Day in the Life of a One World Academy Student

One World Education is the largest writing program in DC. They serve 5,000 middle school, high school, and adult students annually through their in-school and afterschool programs. Their afterschool program, the One World Academy, enables high potential but underperforming students to research a social justice issue, write an argumentative essay, and prepare a presentation for the citywide student showcase, the One World Challenge, at the end of the semester.

Meet Mahir, a 6th-grade student who’s part of the One World Academy. His day starts like any other with classes and tests, but it’s what happens after school that truly sets him apart. At 4pm, Mahir walks into the One World Academy, greeted by peers, pizza, program managers, and teacher-leaders. The room buzzes with energy as students settle in and get ready to dive into an evening of fun learning.

Today’s session is focused on finishing the final essay draft. Students choose their social justice research topic at the beginning of the semester, and spend eight weeks refining, writing, and editing their work. Mahir chose to write about air pollution in Bangladesh. When asked about why he chose his topic, Mahir said, “I was watching CNN one morning and heard that Bangladesh has the worst air pollution in the world. We need to do something about it.”

Students work with experienced teachers in small groups to receive individualized attention and constructive feedback. With his teacher-leader’s support, Mahir edits his essay and is ready to submit his final draft. The rest of the program will center around preparing an oral presentation for their research project to show at the One World Challenge. This Challenge is hosted biannually in December and April.

The One World Difference

One World’s mission is to transform students into confident communicators, critical thinkers, and persuasive writers. When their founder and CEO, Eric Goldstein, started teaching in DC public schools, he realized that his students struggled to express their ideas in their writing. He developed the One World curriculum to center students’ voices and equip them with the tools needed to communicate effectively.

Since 2007, One World has served over 50,000 students through their in-school and afterschool programs in Washington, DC. Their in-school program trains teachers in partner schools to implement the One World curriculum in their English classes. 90 percent of partner schools report making significant gains in student writing after one semester of their program.

Interested in supporting One World? They encourage volunteers to serve as feedback coaches and presentation judges during the end of the Fall and Spring Academies. Contact One World to get involved with volunteering, donate so they can expand and provide their services to more DC public school students, and learn more about how they empower student writers to find their voice and communicate effectively, transforming students into writers with voice, knowledge, and purpose.

NNV Program Plays Small Role in Solving the Mystery behind an Iconic Photo

Written by Stephanie Chong, originally published on Northwest Neighbors Village

It’s not all that unique to hear stories about members and volunteers making connections from the common threads they’ve discovered from getting to know one another. But it is not every day that these connections make it to the front page of the Washington Post! Such was the case when a Northwest Neighbors Village (NNV) program became the catalyst in solving the mystery behind an iconic photo taken 50 years ago.

“Five decades ago, a dozen friends gathered here, on the National Mall, for breakfast. They wore morning coats and floor-length dresses, dined on oysters, drank champagne, and danced together as a string quartet played in the shadow of the Lincoln Memorial. The extravagant scene on July 19, 1974, drew in a Washington Post photographer, who captured the moment in an image that would ricochet around the country in newspaper reprints,” reported the Washington Post.

“But the people and circumstances at the center of that famous picture remained a mystery… until Joyce Naltchayan Boghosian — the daughter of late Post photographer Harry Naltchayan, who captured the original image — met one of the participants a year ago and began to put the pieces together.”

“I was one of the ‘diners’ at the breakfast.” Betsy saw NNV’s promotion for Joyce Boghosian’s program Photos from Beirut to the White House: A Father-Daughter Legacy. Upon seeing the award-winning photographer Harry Naltchayan mentioned, Betsy signed up. She knew of Harry. He had taken the photo that hangs in her dining room. The one of her and her friends at a birthday breakfast on the National Mall. Betsy reached out to NNV with an email that included the image and a note to share with Joyce informing her that she was in the photo that Joyce’s father had taken. This moment of serendipity led to the telling of a beautiful story about friendship and legacy.

“I can’t tell you how amazing this has been ever since the NNV event that you invited me to.” Joyce had been captivated by the photo, and had always been curious about the story behind the image. After the NNV talk, Joyce and Betsy got in touch and the story began to unfold. The extravagant breakfast on the Mall, which included engraved invitations, a meal catered by Avignon Freres (the premier caterer of the time), and the guest of honor’s arrival by horse and carriage, was coordinated by a group of friends who had a penchant for organizing elaborate birthday parties for one another. This particular event was in honor of their friend Janet. It was such an unusual site that it caught the eye of Washington Post photographer Harry Naltchayan. To the great surprise of this group of friends, the image of their breakfast made local and national news!

“A day when no other news occurred.” Betsy shared that friends and family from all over the country sent newspaper clippings to the group that was photographed that day. Janet created scrapbooks for her friends, compiling the news stories, the invitation, the National Park Service permit that allowed them to host the affair, and even a letter from the head waiter, Mac. The material in the scrapbooks would provide invaluable in helping to recreate the photo 50 years later where the friends sat in their respective seats. Sadly, some seats were empty, including the one at the head of the table that belonged to Janet who died of breast cancer at a young age.

“Thank you for your friendship and celebrating this beautiful story.” Joyce was there for the recreation of the photo, including other new participants like the head waiter Mac’s daughters. With the table set and everyone in their places, Joyce Boghosian recreated her father’s iconic photo 50 years later. The breakfast attendees in the photo have remained lifelong friends, celebrating birthdays and Thanksgiving for decades.

“The impact of the Village is beyond what anyone could have imagined!” We were in touch with Betsy and Joyce after the story ran in the Post. Having played a small role, NNV was humbled to be mentioned. Both women felt that the connection made through the NNV program was pivotal in retelling their story. Betsy said, “It wouldn’t have happened without you.” Our sincerest thanks to Betsy and Joyce for sharing their story with us, and to NNV volunteers David Cohen and Jan Solomon whose role in planning the program sparked a series of events that led to something very special.

Northwest Neighbors Village is a local nonprofit and member-driven organization that envisions a generous, supportive, inclusive community where all older adults are valued, age with dignity, and enjoy opportunities for growth and engagement. Learn more about the programs, resources, and volunteer support they offer to empower older adults in Washington, DC. You can also watch a recording of their program that started this one-year journey to bring Harry Naltchayan’s image back to life.

Is recent legislation making DC safer, and for whom? A new report by the Council for Court Excellence digs in.

Earlier this year, the District of Columbia passed the Secure DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2024 (“SECURE DC”) in response to an increase in violent crimes, like homicide and carjackings. This permanent legislation included changes to D.C. law that had been part of emergency legislation first passed last summer, as well as several new provisions. While the public continues to express community safety concerns, response to SECURE DC remains controversial in a city where the costs of incarceration and policing have reached over $1 billion for the first time, and where a disproportionate number of Black people are justice-involved, including as victims of crime.

The Council for Court Excellence (CCE), a local nonprofit that works to enhance the justice system in DC to serve the public equitably, just released its fourth report offering a snapshot of our criminal legal systems. Among the questions this report addresses, the two biggest are arguably: Is SECURE DC effective? And who is most impacted by DC’s justice systems?

Since this legislation passed in the Spring of this year, the impacts of these significant policy changes are not yet clear. However, CCE’s new data analyses will be critical in providing a baseline to any changes in crime and incarceration that may be related to the law’s provisions. Both before and after its passage, CCE finds several encouraging changes in preliminary public safety data, namely carjacking and fare evasion rates on the decline.

Read CCE’s full report to learn more, and visit their website to support them in creating a safer, healthier, thriving DC.

The Council for Court Excellence was founded in 1982 by a group of leaders in the civic, legal, and business sectors to support the modernization of D.C. courts. Over the next few decades, the need for an independent voice on D.C.’s criminal, youth, and civil justice systems — beyond just the courts — became clear. CCE stepped in to fill that gap, keeping their model of interdisciplinary alliance but expanding their mission to include all aspects of our justice system. Today, CCE identifies and proposes solutions by collaborating with diverse stakeholders to conduct research, advance policy, educate the public, and increase civic engagement.

New Futures Believes in Young People

The first time Katie Bodie, a New Futures Scholars Program Advisor, met her Scholar Ahnaf, she could tell immediately that it was the start of a fruitful advising relationship. “He was very open to collaborating with me,” she said. Despite being one of the youngest Scholars in the cohort that year, Ahnaf was “eager to take note of any little piece of advice I had to offer… and act upon it.”

Katie’s determination to learn about Ahnaf made him feel comfortable opening up to her and move past the initial nervousness he felt as a first-time Scholar. “One thing I enjoy about her is her dedication to helping the Scholar. She really listens to every single minor detail a Scholar mentions in every meeting, and she becomes like a detective putting all the clues together and helping me achieve my goals,” Ahnaf said. “That inspires me and makes me feel like someone always has my back, and I feel very supported.”

In addition to personalized advising, Ahnaf received a financial scholarship, skill-building workshops, and networking opportunities. After a year and a half under his belt, he’s about to graduate early from Northern Virginia Community College as an Information Technology major and plans to attend George Mason University.

Ahnaf receiving his New Futures scholarship at Scholar Award Celebration in February 2023.

“A lot of students in college have the burden of getting extra class materials paid for, different services that different professors ask for,” Ahnaf shared. “The financial support New Futures provides me allows me to solely focus on my academic work and worry less about the school supplies.”

Twice a year, New Futures invests in systemically excluded young people in the Greater Washington region who plan to pursue an associate degree or professional certification. As the economy and workforce change, half of all positions filled in the next five years will require some postsecondary credentials but less than a bachelor’s degree. New Futures is the only organization in this region with an intentional focus on postsecondary credentials outside the traditional four-year college model, building a pipeline to high-growth industries and financial well-being.

After a rigorous recruitment cycle, selected applicants join a cohort of Scholars comprised of young people from the entire DMV region. Advisors like Katie welcome and celebrate them at the Scholar Award Ceremony, help them understand how to take advantage of New Futures programming at Orientation, and continually support them throughout their journeys. Upon completing their initial postsecondary credential, Scholars graduate into an alumni community with access to further career advising and professional development.

Ahnaf and fellow Scholar, Ahmad, at Scholars Weekend in 2023.

“One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had with New Futures is Scholars Weekend,” Ahnaf said. “Once a year, our new Scholars get truly special experience where they come with us for a weekend and focus on team-building and other opportunities to grow different skills,” Katie added. Out at the Claggett Center in Adamstown, MD, a group of 75 Scholars and advisors meet each other, learn together, and have fun. The activity that pushed Ahnaf out of his comfort zone most? His first time ever doing a zipline.

“Something I love about being an advisor is that I have the chance to work with Scholars in different capacities,” Katie said. “We meet them where they are… When I know a Scholar has an important thing coming up, like the start of an internship, I’m noting that, and I’m celebrating them on the first day of their internship.”

That kind of advocacy and relationship-building is invaluable. To sum up his whole experience with New Futures in a few words, Ahnaf chose — Friendly. Growth.

You can get a Taste of New Futures on October 4, 2024, by attending their rooftop cocktail reception, featuring global cuisines and cultural exhibits from countries in the New Futures community. Visit their website to learn more and support.

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How BroadFutures Creates Neuroinclusive Workplaces and Why It Matters

As workplaces continue evolving to become more diverse, inclusive and accessible, workers–and society–benefit from increased flexibility, creativity, and a breadth of new and unique skill sets and perspectives. Look at BroadFutures, a DC-based organization that has been supporting and training neurodiverse young people and employers through innovative internship programs for over a decade.

“We desperately need different kinds of minds, people with different strengths, different abilities,” Dr. David O. Black, neuropsychologist, told BroadFutures in a previous interview about mental health. “I think one of the things BroadFutures does is it recognizes the importance of a diverse workforce, not just from the standpoint of diversity… range of cognitive abilities as our society gets more and more complex, as the work needs get more and more complex.”

Every young person participating in BroadFutures Internship Programs enters a paid internship aligning their interests, skills, and passions with their employers’ needs. Before the internship begins, they join a cohort of peers for a week-long professional training that includes arts-based and peer learning, individualized coaching and mentoring, and stress reduction techniques to prepare for a workplace environment. Training continues throughout the internship semester once a week. Employers, in turn, receive dedicated education, coaching, and training to create and sustain neuroinclusive workplaces.

100% of interns, parents, and employers rate the program a success, with over 70% of employers returning to partner with BroadFutures and over 90% of interns continuing to a different workplace or higher education.

“My favorite part of my internship has been meeting all my new coworkers and trying new ways of taking photos and videos at Easterseals,” said Jeremy Hasson, a BroadFutures DC intern and recent graduate from McDaniel College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Writing and Publishing and a minor in Food Studies. This past summer, he worked as a marketing intern at Easterseals, a nonprofit providing disability services, with additional support areas serving veterans and military families, seniors, and caregivers. “I also look forward to contributing to the digital media efforts of Easterseals to promote their organization online.”

BroadFutures is currently the only nonprofit organization across the country with this innovative model that provides two-pronged support to both neurodiverse interns and employers. Young people need and deserve supportive environments in which they can grow their self-confidence, independence, resilience, and practice communication skills. Too often, young people with learning and related disabilities find these doors closed to them. But as BroadFutures founder Carolyn Jeppsen advocated back in 2016, “Opportunities for people of all abilities–of DIVERSE abilities–need to be the priority.”

“I think there is a lot of room for growth and it is an opportunity for me to take interest in other areas of experience,” said Nadia Dennis, another BroadFutures DC intern. During her internship this past summer, she supported various types of project management projects and initiatives at CBRE, a global leader in commercial real estate services and investments, and also a long-time BroadFutures supporter and employer partner. “One thing I have learned so far at my internship is the logistical details of leasing and property management tasks, and I like that because it is not my area of interest or studies… I look forward to taking skills into future workplaces.”

Since 2013, BroadFutures has directly served over 500 young people and partnered with over 70 employers. You can help them create life-changing early career opportunities and cultivate more inclusive, accessible workplaces. Learn more about their fall gala, Voices for Change, on October 19, where they will share more about their ambitious strategic growth vision for the next three years.

Cultivating Peace: Insights from a DC Peace Team Member

“De-escalation skills are something that anyone can learn,” Carol, a dedicated member of the DC Peace Team (DCPT), is adamant about this. Her simple yet profound statement underscores a powerful truth: every individual can contribute to community safety and harmony.

Since 2011, DCPT has been a beacon of hope in the DC area, teaching civilians how to de-escalate tense situations and providing unarmed civilian protection when necessary. Its Community Safety Unit aims to protect civilians in situations of violent conflict, imminent violence, and post-crisis situations–and create space for local peace initiatives.

Carol first joined to make a difference by engaging with residents who are often marginalized. “I feel like that is a part of my community too,” she said, “and it gives me the opportunity to connect with my neighbors.” She emphasized how important it is to acknowledge and support them by providing a listening ear and connecting them with necessary resources whenever possible.

Carol has been part of DCPT’s unarmed civilian protection efforts for several years, spending time at the Columbia Heights Civic Plaza (where FRESHFARM operates a farmers market), a bustling area that can become tense due to the diverse mix of people who converge there. Additionally, Carol plays an important role at local protests and demonstrations, particularly those that encounter significant resistance and backlash.

Her experiences go beyond merely recognizing the difficulties faced by her neighbors; they allow her to forge meaningful connections with those who might otherwise be overlooked. Each individual has a story, with struggles and triumphs, strengths and resilience. By taking the time to listen and understand these stories, she is able to address people’s immediate needs and offer support in a more personalized and impactful way.

“It’s heartbreaking just hearing people’s stories like that, but I can at least accompany people and help them to feel like they’re not alone.”

Carol recounted her recent conversation with a man experiencing homelessness who had been the victim of a car accident–his motorcycle was destroyed, he lost his wallet during the accident, and his injuries resulted in his job being terminated.

“He doesn’t have his job, he doesn’t have his ID, and now he’s hungry. He wanted to know how God could let this happen. If God is so powerful, how could He let this happen? So, I’m here at the Columbia Heights Plaza, suddenly having a theological conversation with someone who’s gone through some real trauma.”

Carol and DCPT cannot solve these issues alone–no single entity can. Addressing such challenges requires a collective effort from multiple sectors of society. But every encounter and moment of empathy creates a deeper shared understanding, transforming passive observers into active participants. DCPT plays a major role in this larger effort by empowering community members like Carol to engage in meaningful work and by sparking collaboration with other organizations that drive tangible, systemic change. Such change comes through DCPT connecting people to resources, including housing, de-tox, treatment, and jobs, often with local nonprofit partner District Bridges. Such change also comes through DCPT’s Community Forums, hosted to identify root causes and collaborative opportunities to shift structures, resources, and government policies.

“Maybe sometimes people think, well, why haven’t you fixed it yet? Fix the drug problem, fix the problems that have led to this situation,” she shared. “But we’re just a few people.”

There are currently around 10-12 people in the Community Safety Unit. Despite operating with limited resources, with around 10-12 people currently in the Community Safety Unit, 15-20 residents (and counting) have transformed their lives by completing detox and treatment, getting housing or a job, and finding community. At the same time, new people and different drugs have recently moved into the plaza area, simply being displaced from other areas in nearby neighborhoods.

As a vital piece of the puzzle, DCPT relies on the participation of its professional Community Safety Unit members like Carol, volunteers, and supporters to create positive change in our community. You can join them in making a difference! Visit their website to learn more about their trainings, donating, and getting involved with their Community Safety Unit.

Hear Carol’s story in the video below!

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Learn How Community Forklift Helped Bring a Gala Theatre Set to Life

By Community Forklift, originally published on Community Forklift’s blog

Community Forklift provided the backdrop for exciting programming and shows from GALA Theatre, one of the most vibrant arts groups in the Washington, DC area.

GALA (Grupo de Artistas LatinoAmericanos) Hispanic Theatre is a National Center for Latino Performing Arts group located right in Washington, DC. This group brings Latino arts to audiences who are both steeped in the culture as well as those who are experiencing the beauty and diversity of Hispanic heritage for the first time. Live theater, dance, and musical productions are performed in both Spanish and English, and GALA Theatre provides the space and expertise for education and enrichment in addition to entertainment.

But putting on these impressive shows and programming can be costly. Often, we think of the lighting, venue, advertising, staff, and other large expenses when it comes to running a theater company, but the cost of the set itself can be significant.

That’s why GALA applied to Community Forklift’s Community Building Blocks (CBB) program. This grant allowed them to bring their set to life for programs, plays, GALita children’s plays, ArteAmerica programs, and PasoNuevo youth performances. One of the highlights of the season was using Community Forklift finds to showcase the vibrancy, color, and provenance of their February 2024 show, Las Hermana Palacios (The Palacios Sisters).

The set for GALA’s most recent production “Mummy in the Closet: Evita’s Return” incorporates salvaged 4x4s, light fixtures, molding, and more from Community Forklift.

Materials sourced from Community Forklift added detail and authenticity to the set. Everything from wall sconces to trim, doors, hardware, floor tiles, sliding glass doors, paint, and lamps were used to breathe life into the stage. These real pieces made the on-stage scenery tangible for the audience and brought a quality of dynamism to the production. And these pieces aren’t just used once — they can be used year-after-year, reimagined for each season’s productions.

“Mummy in the Closet: Evita’s Return” is a musical blending history and fantasy. It follows the afterlife of Eva Peron, when her preserved corpse ignites political scandals and clandestine affairs.

The partnership between GALA and Community Forklift was initially borne out of the company looking to Community Forklift as a resource for affordable secondhand finds for the set. With the encouragement of the Community Forklift staff, GALA applied for a CBB grant and was accepted. Since 2011, over 500 other organizations across the area have received over $500,000 worth of materials.

Through our Community Building Blocks (CBB) program, we provide mini-grants that allow community groups and nonprofits to use warehouse credit towards a wide range of projects that serve the greater community. That could be furniture for an elementary school teacher’s lounge in an underserved neighborhood or necessary appliances for a facility that works with providing resources to the unhoused community.

Community Forklift turns the construction waste stream into a resource steam for communities in the DC region — by keeping perfectly good items out of the landfill, preserving historical materials, providing low-cost building supplies, and creating local green jobs. Learn more and support them by donating or shopping. Organizations interested in applying for a CBB grant can connect with them to find out more.

Announcing Spur Local’s 2024 Nonprofit Class

Spur Local (formerly known as the Catalogue for Philanthropy) is proud to announce the 137 organizations in our 2024 class, the 22nd class of nonprofit partners since we were founded in 2003. These community-based organizations preserve and elevate stories of local history; equip the next generation to be engaged civic leaders; cultivate vibrant regional food systems; and directly provide needed services and support across Greater Washington. Together, they work holistically to make this region more equitable, reminding us that collaboration strengthens our collective impact.

The Spur Local nonprofit review process is driven by community input. This year, we enlisted 150+ volunteers who live and work in the region to read the nearly 200 applications we received from nonprofits. In addition to this community review, Spur Local conducts a rigorous financial review and arranges site visits between all selected organizations and reviewers or Spur Local team members. The guiding principle throughout this decision-making process is to select organizations making critical local impact. The generosity, time, and expertise of our volunteer reviewers also ensure that every nonprofit applicant receives feedback — we know that such feedback is enormously helpful to improve future applications to Spur Local and other opportunities.

When nonprofits join the Spur Local network, they begin a four-year partnership with us alongside hundreds of other small, locally-focused nonprofits. In cohorts and workshops, partners share resources, uncover new ideas, and form the critical connections that allow them to further their impact. Spur Local builds collective infrastructure through this network and in organizational and professional development training so nonprofits can sustain their vital work over the long term.

We also uplift their stories of impact across the region, shining a spotlight on their incredible but often overlooked work. Partners can access opportunities to maximize the reach of their stories through media partnerships, social media, and our blog. Through our flagship print catalog, as well as its digital companion, Spur Local works to inspire and inform the community to support these local changemakers. On our website, you can find ways to volunteer or donate to support their cause and, ultimately, your community.

Meaningful transformation requires a broad mix of engaged stakeholders, including each of us. Just as every nonprofit plays a role — whether in basic needs or arts and culture — you, too, can offer your time, talent, ties, and other resources to advance this shared vision.

We invite you to learn more about the organizations in our 2024 class and join us in celebrating them by giving them a shoutout on social media, donating, or sending them a quick congratulatory email! 79 of these nonprofits will be featured in Spur Local’s yearly print and digital catalog. Add your name to our mailing list to receive a free copy when it is released in November. Save the date to meet these organizations in person at our annual Community Changemakers on October 30, 2024, at Hook Hall in NW DC.

Change a Child’s Story with Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/Prince George’s County

Written by CASA/Prince George’s County

On April 24, 2024, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)/Prince George’s County, led by Executive Director, Yolanda Johnson, hosted a poignant Volunteer Appreciation Social. The event was supported by co-host Briana Thezard, founder of the Memories Foundation.

CASA/Prince George’s County trains and supports citizen volunteers who advocate for youth experiencing foster care in Prince George’s County. CASA volunteer advocates fight for their rights and needs until they are in safe, loving, permanent homes. Presently, we have 152 CASA volunteer advocates serving 163 youth.

The event aimed to honor the exceptional contributions of CASA/Prince George’s County volunteer advocates, marking our first in-person volunteer appreciation gathering since 2019. The turnout was outstanding, with nearly every seat occupied by dedicated volunteers, esteemed community leaders, staff, and Board members.

Throughout the event, CASA/Prince George’s County shared moving testimonials from volunteers, illuminating their profound individual impact and the driving forces behind their ongoing dedication. One volunteer remarked, “When I see how my youth is blossoming and evolving day by day, I cannot help but want to be a volunteer.” Another volunteer commented, “It’s absolutely hard… the more you do, the better you get at it… If you want to do something long term, if you want to have a real meaningful outcome, I would say do it.”

Particularly poignant was the firsthand account of a CASA youth, articulating the transformative influence of their CASA volunteer advocate. Regarding her CASA volunteer advocate, she shared, “She helped me move from one foster home to the next… let me know it was going to be okay… She is such a helpful person and I love her and wouldn’t trade a thing for her.”

You can contribute to CASA/Prince George’s County’s impact on the lives of local youth experiencing foster care! Currently, there are 500 youth in foster care in Prince George’s County and we serve 200 of those youth. We need dedicated volunteers and supporters to help us increase the number of kids with a CASA volunteer advocate. Together, we can change a child’s story!

Support their “Change a Child’s Story” campaign and learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer advocate.

Planning for Peace with Peace of Mind

Written by Elie Goldman, Peace of Mind teacher

My name is Elie Goldman and I am the Peace Teacher at DC’s largest public elementary school. There, I teach the Peace of Mind program to every 2nd-5th grader, nearly 600 students every week.

A few months ago, I opened peace class by posing the following question to my students: Why do we learn and practice peace?

“To give us tools to be calm in this crazy world,” said Emily.

Emily is a fifth grader. She has attended peace class once a week since 2018, when she began pre-K at this school. While only 10 years old, Emily has spent more time learning peace than me and most of us who may be reading this. I bet we can learn something from her.

Emily, what kind of tools are you talking about?

“Mindful breathing techniques. There is Gravity Hands, Take Five, Fireworks Breaths, Four Square Breathing, Rainbow Breathing, Squeeze and Release, and a lot more.”

These breathing practices from the Peace of Mind curriculum are simple and short.

Gravity Hands – lift your hands up as you breathe in, lower your hands as you breathe out.

Take Five – trace the outline of one hand with your other pointer finger. Trace up your fingers as you breathe in. Trace down as you breathe out.

With a duration of 3-5 breaths or about thirty seconds, these techniques are well-designed for a young child’s cognitive capacity. They are also destined to change our world. Just like Emily.

So, Emily, how does practicing mindful breathing help you calm down?

“It gives me time to relax. When I’m more relaxed I notice my feelings more. Then, I can manage my emotions better and avoid conflict with others.”

That sounds important.

“Yeah. It is. Mindful breathing helps so that I don’t flip my lid and do something that I will regret.”

What is your lid? And how do you flip it?

“Your lid is your PFC (prefrontal cortex). It’s the part of your brain in charge of keeping your emotions and energy calm and cool. If you feel threatened or in danger, your PFC flips and loses control of your brain. Instead, your Amy (amygdala) takes control.”

What is your amygdala? And why do we try to avoid letting it take control?

“The amygdala is the part of your brain beneath your PFC. Your amygdala is in charge of your “fight,” “flight,” or “freeze” responses. It helps us make smart decisions when we are in physical danger, like running away from a bear. But, if it is in charge when we are in emotional danger or when we feel our ego is threatened, we might say or do things that hurt others and that we will later regret. It will lead us up the conflict escalator instead of down.”

And mindful breathing helps your PFC take back control of your brain from Amy?

“Yes, it helps resolve the conflict in our brain so we can solve or avoid the conflicts on the playground or with our siblings. When our lids are not flipped, we act with more mindfulness and kindness towards others, and we can think before we speak.”

That is good. Kindness is good. So is thinking before you speak.

“Yeah, you have to make sure what you are about to say passes the THiNK test.”

What is the THiNK test?

“It is a way to make sure what you are about to say is True, Helpful, Necessary, and Kind. If it’s not all of those, it probably doesn’t need to be said. We learned about it in the book Tyaja Uses the THiNK Test.”

What does the ‘i’ stand for?

“Me! I need to think before I speak.”

Emily is one of nine hundred students at school. While each student processes Peace of Mind’s classes in their own minds and bodies, they are being trained to resolve conflicts peacefully. If students are never taught how to navigate these tensions on the playground or with their siblings, how do we expect them to address conflicts later in life?

Martin Luther King Jr. said, “We must use our minds as rigorously to plan for peace as we have used them to plan for war.”

Peace, especially world peace, feels impossible to achieve if it’s thought about as a utopian status quo of love and non-violence. Just as any educator scaffolds a learning goal or standard into smaller, attainable lessons, we must make peace attainable in our community through consistent and connected lessons. Programs like Peace of Mind make this possible.

Mahatma Gandhi teaches that peace begins with our ability to resolve conflict; “Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it.”

Five years ago, Linda Ryden, Peace of Mind’s founder, wrote in the Washington Post about how her job (my current job) had never felt more important. After documenting how the Peace of Mind program led to a decline in fights and bullying at school, she wrote, “All children need to learn these skills — not just the ones who are referred to the school counselor for extra help.”

Peace of Mind teaches conflict resolution: it teaches all kids how to manage big emotions, get along better with others, and solve conflicts before they escalate.

It’s not hard to tell how embroiled we humans are in escalated conflict. As we see in our own relationships with ourselves, each other, and our broader communities, it can be difficult to practice our ability to cope with conflict and “to be calm in this crazy world,” let alone develop our collective ability. If we don’t give our city’s students like Emily the tools to prevent and navigate conflict today, then when will we be able to start planning for peace?

Peace of Mind educates students about mindfulness, brain science, conflict resolution, and social justice to help them develop skills to enhance their own well-being and become peacemakers. In addition to creating, developing, and sharing the Peace of Mind program, they also provide training and community for educators who deliver the Peace of Mind program to students in elementary and middle schools in the Washington, DC area and beyond. Learn more and support their work!