The Pin That Changed the World {Kids for Peace Guest Post}

Something very near and dear to my heart is building up our children and creating a positive environment for them to learn, laugh, and grow. Connecting with my children is something I cherish and as they grow I can only hope that we continue to connect and then continue to trust that they can talk and share with me.

Today I'm bringing you a guest post written by Jill, the co-founder of Kids For Peace. I was introduced to Jill by my dear friend Stacey of Positively Kids and love the message she has to share! But that's not all, Kids For Peace needs our help! They are entered to win the Chase Community Giving Award but they can't win without your help!

So after reading Jill's post, please visit the link below and vote for Kids For Peace!

I am a mom. Joyful, proud, hopeful, sometimes exhausted, intrigued, invested, optimistic, involved. I am a mom who believes passionately in the power and purity of our kids. I am a mom who believes that peace is possible.

Six years ago I first saw Gandhi's quote, "If we are to create lasting peace, we must begin with the children." This stopped me in my tracks. At the time, I had the privelege of being a stay-at-home mom after a decade of teaching elementary school. My experience with kids showed me that children are innately kind, caring, curious and accepting of people. Gandhi's words wisely summed up what I intuitively knew.

One weekend at a neighborhood party, I met a teenager, Danielle Gram, who would forever change the course of my life. Inspired by my Gandhi pin, we began a conversation about our beliefs and views of the world. This pin drew us together. The pin fueled our hopes and dreams, and next thing we knew, we were planning a gathering of a few kids in my backyard. We asked these kids, "What is peace?" "What are your wishes for the world?" "What do you want to DO to make those wishes come true?" From that, our Peace Pledge was created and kids got busy making a positive difference. Kids for Peace was born.

Our Peace Pledge
I pledge to use my words to speak in a kind way.
I pledge to help others as I go throughout my day.
I pledge to care for our earth with my healing heart and hands.
I pledge to respect people in each and every land.
I pledge to join together as we unite the big and small.
I pledge to do my part to create peace for one and all.

People heard of the actions of these trailblazing kids and soon, Kids for Peace chapters were sprouting all over the world. Now, six years later, we have launched 145 chapters in 6 continents with over 35,000 kids participating.

Inspired by our Great Kindness Challenge, our kids have completed more that 750,000 acts of kindness in 69 countries. They have learned about other cultures, helped kids in need, served their communities and transformed their schools while practicing our simple motto, "KINDNESS MATTERS."

I am still a mom first, and I am now also the Executive Director of Kids for Peace. I clearly see that Gandhi knew what he was talking about. The kids will lead the way to a brighter future for all. The kids ARE leading the way. Peace IS possible.

To help continue the important work of Kids for Peace, please VOTE for them to receive the Chase Community Giving Award. A couple of clicks can change the world: https://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charity/view/ein/26-1564351?ref=18ca781446