The origami crane and the white
dove have both become powerful symbols for peace. The
dove and crane crafts featured at the links below are
perfect for classrooms, scout troops or to make as gifts.
This project can be even more meaningful if you write
your personal wishes for a better world on the wings.
Don't forget to save these for holiday decorations!
If you like, you can send your cranes to the Children's Peace Monument in Hiroshima, Japan, where they can be part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony. On this day, thousands of people gather to pay tribute to the victims of the atomic bombings. At 8:15am, one minute of silence is declared so that everyone can pray for world peace. You can do the same, no matter where you are.
The Peace Corps has a program
that allows classrooms to "adopt" a volunteer in the
field. This can be a fascinating and educational glimpse
into both another culture and the benefits of helping
others.
A bill has been introduced in the House Of Representatives to create a Department Of Peace. Currently, no government agency specifically focuses on peace! You can learn more (plus how to help) here.
Peace poles are four or six-sided poles that have the words "May Peace Prevail on Earth" inscribed in various languages on all sides. There are over 200,000 peace poles standing in countries around the world. Making and dedicating a peace pole can be a community event, a school or troop event, or just a family project. You can learn more here.
The Peace Pals program is
for kids 5-15 years of age. Adults volunteer to become
the group's coordinator and lead them in arts and crafts,
writing, dance and theatrical projects designed to help
them think about peace in their everyday lives. Find
out more here.
Some organizations, like participating
local chapters of Veterans
For Peace, create small scholarship awards for high
school students who have displayed a committment to peace.
If your group is looking for a way to help kids and the
community, consider creating a scholarship award of your
own. Scholarships offer the additional benefit of getting
press attention for your organization on a recurring basis.
