History
The Peace by PEACE story began in 1980 when the late Dr Francelia Butler, a professor of children's literature at the University of Connecticut, asked her students to create stories for children about conflicts in their lives. These stories led to the foundation of Peace Games, a program that emulated Butler’s vision of using fun activities to teach children about resolving conflicts. This vision has been adopted by several organizations, including Peace by PEACE. Peace by PEACE now has international chapters in Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, New Haven, New York City, Montreal and Toronto. The Toronto chapter was founded by Dr Robin Sacks, who expanded the program from a one-day festival to an eleven week program. Robin continues to support the organization as we revise the curriculum to ensure it remains relevant for today's students.
About Peace by PEACE
We are a unique conflict resolution and community-building program for elementary school students in the Toronto and York regions. Our volunteers from the University of Toronto and York University deliver an 11-week curriculum that empowers grade 4 to 6 students to deal with the pressing issues of conflict, bullying, and violence in their lives, schools, and communities. We use a hands-on approach based on games, activities, and discussions that engages students and provides them with practical skills. Since our founding in 1997, Peace by PEACE has made a difference in the lives of more than 12,000 students in classrooms across the Toronto region. You can learn more about how to bring Peace by PEACE to your school by clicking on Educators in the menu above. Peace by PEACE is supported by a talented executive and volunteer corps from the University of Toronto (St. George) and York University (Keele and Glendon), along with a Board of Directors comprised of educators and other professionals from across the community. You can learn more about our team by clicking on Our Team in the menu above. If you are interested in more information, click below to to sign up for our newsletter.