In 2023, our Peace Practice Alliance (PPA) provided 23 inspiring peace leaders with seed funding to lead 21 impactful community peace practice initiatives. These initiatives are a heartfelt continuation of the lessons shared and learned in the PPA.
Read MoreAfter retiring from the United States Navy, Dr. Nick Irwin found himself in a transitional space searching for his identity and next steps. Moving towards connection, self-discovery, and healing, Nick began pursuing a PhD in Education and Leadership Studies. In 2023, Nick joined Euphrates’ Peace Practice Alliance…
Read MoreAs we move forward in our journey in the Peace Practice Alliance (PPA), the profound reflections and strong connections formed by this year's cohort continue to inspire and motivate me. From deepening our interpersonal skills in April to exploring community potentials in May, we are collectively crafting a vision of peace that is not just aspirational but actively taking shape.
Read MoreOur May 2024 call explored the idea of embracing change and transformation, recognizing and addressing one's own trauma, building a global community through empathy and storytelling, and encouraging creative and unconventional means of fostering peace. Diazina shared her personal journey through trauma and depression, highlighting the importance of mental health and the need for those involved in social impact and peacebuilding to prioritize their own wellbeing.
Read MoreWe strive to continuously learn and improve our work. We believe in and value ongoing deep reflection and active community participation. Monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems help organizations and teams to assess progress in reaching their goals, to hold themselves accountable to their stakeholders, and to identify ways to improve programs and projects.
Read MoreAri Honarvar has been witnessing transformation as an ambassador of peace through the arts for many years. Ari joined our April Global Connections call to share an immersive experience and conversation that uplifts the joy-based practices of music, movement, dance, and story.
Read MoreThe Peace Practice Alliance (PPA) believes in a holistic and integrated approach to peace practice, starting with the individual and radiating outward to impact one's relationships, communities, and the world at large. This month, the focus on personal peace practice has been a deep dive into this principle, guiding participants through introspection and the cultivation of inner peace as a foundation for broader societal change.
Read MoreMellissa has seen the darkest of humanity, looking it squarely in the eye, not hiding from the truth, and through it lifting others up in the process. We are honored she could be with us today for our Global Connections Calls that honors Women’s History Month.
Read MoreOn the 14th and 15th of February, Euphrates hosted an online practicing peace together workshop attended by fifty-eight (58) peace-loving people across the world. The 2-day workshop was centered around what it means to practice peace and the integration of practice in our personal, interpersonal, and community relations.
Read MoreMy prayers went to our community members around the world who are experiencing darkness in different forms. Many in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Gaza, Sudan are in dire situations, and darkness seems to blanket so many regions right now. How does one hold onto hope when you don’t know when the light will come, you can’t provide warmth or food for your child, or you can not be with loved ones?
Read MoreOn our final Global Connections call of 2023, Euphrates invited all of our past Visionaries of the Year to join us to share their updates and renewed vision for the world. Founder Janessa Gans Wilder facilitated an incredible conversation with Sami Awad, TH Culhane, Ronny Edry, Nousha Kabawat, Ahmad Shah Karimi, James Offuh, and Libby Traubman.
Read MoreJanessa Gans Wilder is the founder of Euphrates Institute. In response to the escalation of war in Israel and Gaza, Janessa is sharing her voice, her reflections and response.
Read MoreDaniel Epstein has been long involved in community service focused on reconciliation and dialogue across racial, religious, and ethnic communities. His work is propelled by his primary passions - helping others heal, bringing people of different faiths and cultures together, global travel, and photography. During his tenure at Procter & Gamble that he conducted most of the Portraits In Faith interviews.
Read MoreCompassion is the foundation of Sister Marilyn Lacey’s work. In a world witnessing great loneliness, overwhelmed by despair, suffering, divisiveness, and violence, Marilyn has felt the call to become engaged in spreading healing and hope. “I’ve always tried to live with compassion, believing we are all connected.”
Read MoreJenny Canau and Zelda Ann Hintsa, joined our July Global Connections call to share their personal stories and provide us with a window into the healing work they are doing in their communities in South Africa. Jenny and Zelda are currently working to establish Peace and Healing Circles, an organization that focuses on the support of women (and eventually men) in their region in finding healing in various forms of self-care and personal and interpersonal peace practices
Read MoreEstablished in 2021, Culturing Peace grew from peacebuilder (and Peace Practice Alliance graduate) Rebecca Hoskyn’s inspiration to connect youth to peace leaders from around the world. Her vision was to facilitate regular discussions about relevant topics like racism, human rights, nonviolent communication, and both personal and global peace practices that would empower the next generation.
Read MoreJames Okina is a social entrepreneur. He founded Street Priests Incorporated, a youth-led movement that aims to transform the lives of street children. After experiencing life on the streets as a child himself a complete turnaround inspired James to dedicate himself to helping young people in similar situations. James joined us this month to share his story and wisdom.
Read MoreWe all have an Everest to climb. Our days, seasons, years bring us new challenges and opportunities - new Everests! These spaces are ripe for discovery as we explore new ways to practice peace amidst the challenges. Dr. Sara Safari is an author, speaker, mountain climber, college professor, electrical engineer, and advocate for women’s empowerment. She is the founder and president of a nonprofit called Climb Your Everest that focuses on empowering marginalized young women through educational programs. Sara is the first Iranian in history to climb the Seven Summits, the seven highest peaks in each continent.
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