In 2006, Jill McManigal, a mother of two young children and Danielle Gram, a high school honors student met at a neighborhood party. Inspired by a “Peace” button Jill was wearing, the two engaged in a conversation about their wishes and hopes for our world. They quickly realized they shared a vision of bringing children together to lead the way for a brighter tomorrow for all.

Within weeks after meeting, Jill and Danielle gathered a small group of children in Jill’s backyard and Kids for Peace was born. With a deep conviction that youth are innately wise, the children were asked these questions, “What does peace mean to you?” “What do you want our world to look like?” “What can you do to create the world you wish to see?” “What do you want to pledge yourself to?” Listening to their wisdom, our Peace Pledge was created and our mission was solidified.

The children got busy helping others, learning about other cultures, caring for our earth and doing their part to make a positive difference. The news of these dynamic children spread quickly and soon requests were made to replicate Kids for Peace in several neighborhoods. Organically, the pure and powerful message of our children spread around the world.

Today, Kids for Peace is a global 501 (c)(3) nonprofit that provides a platform for young people to actively engage in socially conscious leadership, community service, arts, environmental stewardship and global friendships. Kids for Peace has launched over 300 interconnected chapters around the world. Through Kids for Peace projects and programs, youth of all socioeconomic backgrounds are empowered to become part of positive solutions leading to a healthy and harmonious planet.