Empower People to Create a Just and Peaceful World
From World Citizen Peace
Since the 1970’s World Citizen Peace has made Minneapolis its nonprofit homebase.
We know Minnesota and the culture of community it stands for. Our eyes are open. We stand arm and arm with our Minneapolis and St. Paul immigrant neighbors, families, and friends who have endured the fearful presence of ICE and Border Patrol agents. And we stand arm and arm in support of all the peaceful protesters witnessing the brutal and illegal actions of these armed agents on Minneapolis streets. We mourn the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti and reach out to their families and friends in sorrow and belief that Renee and Alex will be remembered for all the lives they touched and the unnecessary sacrifice they made in this time of confusion and violence. The mission of World Citizen Peace is to “empower people for a just and peaceful world.” Through their collective actions, Minnesotans have empowered all of us to stay on higher ground, peacefully demonstrate without the use of violence, and inspire fellow Americans across the country to join us in mass protest. As Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “Nonviolence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind.” Let us link arms in brave and peaceful solidarity to face down the forces that are tearing us apart until our immigrant neighbors, our Constitution and our precious democracy are in safe hands.
For more information about ways to support the Minneapolis and St. Paul communities, go to www.standwithminnesota.com
World Citizen Peace’s 5 Peace Actions
- Seek peace within yourself and others
- Reach out in service
- Protect the environment
- Respect diversity
- Be a responsible citizen of the world
Important News from World Citizen Peace
For over five decades, World Citizen Peace (WCP) has been guided by a clear and powerful mission: to empower people for a just and peaceful world. Through our Five Peace Actions and the tireless efforts of our international community, we’ve created ripples of peace that continue to grow.
Together, we’ve achieved remarkable milestones:
- Empowered thousands across generations through peace education
- Grown a global network of over 3,000 registered Peace Ambassadors in more than 100 countries
- Established and supported hundreds of Peace Sites around the world
- Provided dozens of scholarships and grants to young peacebuilders and educators
- Partnered with schools and organizations to spread a culture of peace, justice, and literacy
Since 2023, under the leadership of Dennis Hart, WCP has experienced tremendous growth and renewed momentum. Week after week, we receive inspiring stories and photos of Peace Ambassadors living out the Five Peace Actions, creating meaningful change in their communities. These efforts not only uplift others,but multiply impact through a global chain of inspiration.
The surge in engagement prompted deep reflection. Although WCP’s impact has continued to grow, our Board of Directors and leadership team have undertaken a critical assessment of our financial and personnel capacity. After thoughtful consideration, we have concluded that in order to continue making a meaningful difference in the world, we must reorganize and divest our assets.
This decision led to a creative and intentional solution rooted in our mission of peace: to transfer WCP’s assets to trusted, values-aligned, peace partners who will carry forward WCP’s legacy and vision into the future.
As part of this transition, WCP will officially close before March 1, 2026.
After months of discernment, we are thrilled to share that we’ve partnered with three incredible organizations that will carry forward WCP’s core programs and values, each offering new capacity, vision, and leadership to build on our legacy
1. The Peace Pad, led by Julie Lillie
Website: thepeacepad.org
Julie is the founder of The Peace Pad, which creates peaceful people and projects aligned with our Five Peace Actions. Under her guidance, a new nonprofit — World Citizen Peace Ambassador Center — is being launched and operated by The Peace Pad. This center will offer a new online home for Peace Ambassadors to register, set personal goals, and stay updated on peace education opportunities.
Learn more about Julie’s “Path to Peace” in Peace Prospects (June 2025 issue, p. 56): peaceleadershipcollaborative.org/peaceprospects/issue02
Important Note: Julie will lead all future communications regarding this transition. No action is required on your part at this time.
2. Peacemaker Minnesota, led by Dan McNeil
Website: peacemakermn.org
Peacemaker MN will take ownership of two WCP signature programs:
- Erdahl Peace Scholarship
- Walter Enloe Peace Grant
The mission of these funding opportunities is to financially support classroom or school projects proposed by teachers that enhance peace, social emotional, ethical learning and embrace World Citizen Peace’s Five Peace Actions.
Grant cycles will be reopened soon. Check the website for future updates.
Peacemaker Minnesota’s mission is to help schools be safer places, free from bullying and harassment, and help youth learn positive relational skills like empathy, respect, cooperation and how to resolve conflicts peacefully.
2. Minnesota Reading Association (MRA),
led by Carey Seeley Dzierzak
Website: mra.wildapricot.org
MRA and WCP recently co-hosted the Peace and Literacy Summer Institute, a resounding success with participants already anticipating future events. MRA will now fully manage this event, with WCP’s legacy funding expanding access to even more educators, parents, and peacemakers.
Their mission is: Promoting Literacy for Life
The Minnesota Reading Association is a dynamic and diverse organization that includes classroom teachers, reading specialists, consultants, administrators, supervisors, college teachers, researchers, psychologists, librarians, media specialists, students, families, and community members. All are welcome! The Association has members in Minnesota and is affiliated with the international Literacy Association.
Through these partnerships, we are expanding our capacity to serve, educate, and inspire. Many WCP staff and volunteers will continue working with our new partners to provide a seamless transition and ensure the spirit of World Citizen Peace lives on.
Though WCP will dissolve as a nonprofit in 2026, we are confident that our mission is not ending—it is evolving.
We are proud of what we’ve built together, and hopeful for what lies ahead.
Thank you—to every supporter, donor, volunteer, and Peace Ambassador—for believing in this mission since 1972. You have helped change the world.
The work continues—and the best is yet to come.
In peace and gratitude,
The WCP Leadership Team