Established in November 2012 as a program of Holy Family Ministries, the Peace Exchange encompasses two programs focused on violence prevention. The Peace Builder leadership development focuses on young Chicago leaders committed to peace and nonviolence. The yearlong program includes 80 hours of study on topics ranging from domestic violence to mindfulness, a two-week journey accompanied by docume
ntary filmmakers, and a post-trip outreach program in which Peace Builders share their wisdom and experiences with neighborhood youth. Through these meetings, Peace Builders establish relationships with youth, school, church, and community groups that enable them to continue to lead, educate, and mentor. Speaking Peace, a school-based peace education program, was launched in early 2017. A response to requests from Chicago educators for a deeper dive into peacemaking, Speaking Peace teaches tolerance, peacemaking and nonviolent communication (NVC) through peace circles, discussions, storytelling, role-playing, art and documentary films. Provided at no charge to schools, Speaking Peace has been taught to thousands of students in grades 3 through 8 at dozens of Chicago schools. For more info, visit www.peacex.org.
